Job Analysis for Air Traffic Control

Author(s):  
Jóhann Wium ◽  
Jennifer Eaglestone

Abstract. This article presents a review and categorization of job analyses on the role of air traffic controllers (ATCO). There are three parts – how the role has been conceptualized, why it was conceptualized in this manner, and what we can conclude from developments in ATCO job analysis. The article includes a history of job analysis in air traffic control and two tables summarizing task and worker analyses. A large amount of information is available on tasks and attributes and we conclude that ATCO job analyses have been carried out in a varied and disunited manner. While there is no universally accepted analysis for the role of ATCO, previous analyses could nonetheless be used as a foundation for future analytic work.

Aerospace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 170
Author(s):  
Ricardo Palma Fraga ◽  
Ziho Kang ◽  
Jerry M. Crutchfield ◽  
Saptarshi Mandal

The role of the en route air traffic control specialist (ATCS) is vital to maintaining safety and efficiency within the National Airspace System (NAS). ATCSs must vigilantly scan the airspace under their control and adjacent airspaces using an En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) radar display. The intent of this research is to provide an understanding of the expert controller visual search and aircraft conflict mitigation strategies that could be used as scaffolding methods during ATCS training. Interviews and experiments were conducted to elicit visual scanning and conflict mitigation strategies from the retired controllers who were employed as air traffic control instructors. The interview results were characterized and classified using various heuristics. In particular, representative visual scanpaths were identified, which accord with the interview results of the visual search strategies. The highlights of our findings include: (1) participants used systematic search patterns, such as circular, spiral, linear or quadrant-based, to extract operation-relevant information; (2) participants applied an information hierarchy when aircraft information was cognitively processed (altitude -> direction -> speed); (3) altitude or direction changes were generally preferred over speed changes when imminent potential conflicts were mitigated. Potential applications exist in the implementation of the findings into the training curriculum of candidates.


1976 ◽  
Vol 20 (17) ◽  
pp. 400-402
Author(s):  
R.B. Stammers

Task demands in airport air traffic control are briefly examined in the context of new systems design. As well traditional human factors approaches, the optimal use of computer assistance is considered. Emphasis is placed on the role of the computer in providing both feedback and feedforward information for controllers.


Author(s):  
Jonny Kuo ◽  
Michael G. Lenné ◽  
Rama Myers ◽  
Anna Collard-Scruby ◽  
Courtney Jaeger ◽  
...  

This study examined the utility of continuous operator state monitoring in predicting air traffic control officer (ATCO) workload and fatigue. Participants (N=8) were observed in live operational air traffic control environments for 60-minute periods. ATCO state was assessed using a real-time, computer vision-based system which tracked operator gaze and pupil diameter. Workload and fatigue were also assessed via the adapted Bedford Workload Scale and Samn-Perelli Fatigue Scale, respectively. Standard deviation of gaze was a significant predictor of both max and mean workload, showing a strong negative relationship with both subjective measures. Pupil diameter showed a significant positive relationship with operator fatigue. Our findings demonstrate the utility of continuous ocular metrics of workload and fatigue in operational environments.


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